The evolution of Facebook has previously satisfied users wondering why designers continue to alter and update the site. The real concern shouldn’t be how to use tricky new applications or new picture uploading formats, but where personal information is going.
A line of Facebook’s privacy policy states, “By using Facebook, you are consenting to have your personal data transferred to and processed in the United States.”
The ambiguity of this statement makes it hard to not conjure up images of George Orwell’s “1984” and thoughts of big brother reaching into your dorm to collect information about private internet habits.
Why would anyone care about personal pictures, groups, friends and wall comments? The government and other third parties might not care about drinking habits or a user’s appreciation of certain types of grass, but college students are voluntarily surrendering information that may be useful in the future. Facebook, and other friend engines like MySpace, collect phone numbers, email addresses, group affiliations and other information that a third party may want from a user years after graduation — and college kids are giving it up for free.
“It’s kind of scary, but I really don’t put a lot of my personal stuff out there,” says sopohmore biology major Daniel Young. Young says he’s been using Facebook for over a year but he doesn’t add many pictures or much information about him on his page.
“I wouldn’t feel comfortable if my employers saw it,” Young says.
While there are certain protections Facebook promises users, the Web site makes no promises to keep information private.
In another portion of the Facebook privacy policy, it mentions the different parties that could possibly bid for user information.
“We may share account or other information when we believe it is necessary to comply with law or to protect our interests or property. This may include sharing information with other companies, lawyers, agents or government agencies.”
Facebook did not return calls by deadline to comment on their privacy policy.
Many enjoy using Facebook and the way it has revolutionized socializing and wouldn’t want to give it up — the social benefits outweigh the safety risks. Journalism senior Katie Crossman says she uses Facebook everyday. Crossman says she would have a hard time letting it go because it keeps her connected with old high school friends.
No worries, there’s plenty of ways to protect yourself on Facebook and other friend engines so users can connect with others safely. Wiredsafety.org, a non-profit Internet safety organization, gives some crucial tips on keeping safe while using friend engines.
• Keep page access restricted: Limit other users from seeing pictures or blogs, only make them accessible to close friends.
• Don’t share private information: Social security numbers, phone numbers, addresses and date of birth are all considered private information that can be used to learn more about a user. This kind of info will make users more susceptible to crime, burglary, etc.
• Photos are risky: Think it over before posting party pictures or pictures taken when intoxicated. Photos can be altered easily and used to identify a user offline. A good rule of thumb, “If your grandma wouldn’t approve it, don’t put it up there,” says public relations junior Erin Norris.
• Consider using a different screen name: Giving out a real name makes it easier for people to identify users offline.
• Don’t post information that attackers could use: Users shouldn’t reveal what friends they will be seeing or what places they will be going, it makes it easier for an attacker to locate victims.
“It’s shady that friend engines may have the ability to share your information, but since I keep off anything too revealing about me, I’m not concerned,” Norris says.
Reach the reporter at michelle.masek@asu.edu.
